Frequently Asked Questions

Which cruise line is best for families with kids?

Disney Cruise Line and Carnival are the strongest family-first choices. Disney leans heavily into character experiences, family entertainment, themed dining, youth clubs, pools, splash areas, and Disney storytelling throughout the ship. Carnival is also very family-friendly, with youth programs for children and teens, including Camp Ocean, Seuss at Sea, and teen-focused spaces.

Margaritaville at Sea can also work for families, especially for a casual tropical getaway, and it offers kids clubs on select ships. Virgin Voyages and Viking Cruises are adults-only, so they are not fits for travelers bringing children.

Which cruise lines are adults-only?

Virgin Voyages and Viking Cruises are the adults-only options in this group. Virgin Voyages is built around an 18+ onboard experience, while Viking’s ocean, river, and expedition products are designed for adult travelers and do not operate as family/kids-program cruise lines.

For an “adults without kids” vacation, those are the cleanest fit. For “family trip, but adults still need nice spaces,” Disney, Carnival, and Margaritaville each offer some adult-oriented venues or experiences, but they are still family-capable cruise lines.

What is included in the cruise fare?

Disney Cruise Line includes stateroom accommodations, taxes and port fees, breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, many onboard activities, entertainment, pools, recreation, and youth clubs.

Carnival includes accommodations, many dining venues, entertainment, youth programs, pools, and onboard activities, but extras like drink packages, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, spa treatments, and shore excursions usually cost more.

Margaritaville at Sea includes the core cruise experience, entertainment, casual dining options, and family activities, with upgrades available for drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and packages.

Virgin Voyages tends to include more in the base fare than many mainstream lines, especially dining, Wi-Fi, essential drinks, group fitness, entertainment, and gratuities.

Viking is one of the most inclusive options here, commonly including onboard meals, Wi-Fi, enrichment programming, destination-focused experiences, beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and at least one included shore excursion in every port on many itineraries.

How do I choose the right cruise line?

Choose Disney Cruise Line for families, Disney fans, multigenerational trips, character experiences, themed dining, and polished family entertainment.

Choose Carnival for budget-friendly fun, families, casual cruising, nightlife, and a broad range of activities.

Choose Margaritaville at Sea for a relaxed, tropical, casual getaway with island energy and a lower-pressure vibe.

Choose Virgin Voyages for an adults-only trip with modern dining, nightlife, Wi-Fi, essential drinks, fitness, entertainment, and gratuities included.

Choose Viking Cruises for adults-only, destination-focused travel, quieter ships, cultural enrichment, and more inclusions built into the fare.

Are shore excursions included?

Usually, shore excursions are not included on family and mainstream cruise lines.

For Disney, Carnival, Margaritaville at Sea, and Virgin Voyages, port adventures and excursions are generally optional add-ons. Viking is the major exception in this group, because many Viking itineraries include one shore excursion in every port.

That one detail can make Viking look more expensive upfront but more predictable once you compare the total trip cost.

Is specialty dining included?

Virgin Voyages is the standout for included dining, with its restaurant-style dining model included in the fare. Viking also includes onboard meals and alternative restaurant dining as part of its more inclusive approach.

Disney includes rotational main dining, casual dining, snacks, and many room-service items, but adult-exclusive specialty dining such as Palo, Remy, or Enchanté costs extra. Carnival and Margaritaville at Sea include many standard dining options, while specialty restaurants or upgraded dining experiences may carry an additional charge.

Are drinks included?

Basic non-alcoholic drinks are commonly included, but alcohol and soda packages vary by line.

Disney includes many non-alcoholic beverages, including soft drinks in dining rooms and beverage stations, but alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, bottled beverages, and some premium drinks are extra.

Carnival generally includes basic beverages, while soda and alcoholic drinks are typically extra or available through packages.

Margaritaville at Sea includes select basic beverages and offers paid beverage bundles or packages.

Virgin Voyages includes essential drinks and sells bar tabs rather than traditional drink packages.

Viking includes beer, wine, and soft drinks with onboard lunch and dinner.

Which cruise line is best for a short, casual getaway?

Margaritaville at Sea is the most obvious fit for a short, casual, tropical escape. It is built around a relaxed island vibe and shorter getaway-style sailings.

Carnival is also a strong short-cruise choice for travelers who want casual fun, nightlife, families, and value. Disney is excellent for families who want a short but highly themed vacation, especially from Florida ports. Virgin Voyages works well for adults who want a stylish, social, kid-free getaway. Viking is less about quick party-style cruising and more about destination-focused travel.